Gregg Kramer

Pre-light Experience

The artwork on the top band was the appearance highlight. The wrapper was a bit rustic looking with several raised veins and visible bumps. It was a fairly average looking stick. A nice cedar comes off the wrapper with the addition of cream on the cold draw. It did require a couple of clips to open it up prior to lighting it.

First Third

The underlying flavor is definitely cedar. Cream, char and dried grasses weave their way in and out to create a subtle shift in flavors with nearly every draw. An occasional pop of spice on the retrohale adds to the unknown. While the potpourri of flavors offered during the first third is a nice treat, I’m anxious to see if this cigar will settle down and find itself.

Second Third

Normally I’m not a big fan of cedar forward cigars. So far, this cigar has me re-thinking my preferences. Leather and cream help restrain the cedar while a developing allspice provides a bit of sweetness on the finish. These flavors all work very well together. A peppery cedar on the retrohale provides a nice contrast to the overall creaminess of the profile. This one is beginning to hit it’s stride with a nice transition from the initial third.

Final Third

Some earthy notes replace the creamy cedar creating a shift to a richer, fuller bodied smoke. The addition of a little burnt coffee and increase in nicotine completely changes the profile of this cigar. I’m beginning to think this might not be the best choice for a breakfast stick. There is still some heat on the retrohale from time to time. This third is very flavorful and offers up a nice punch.

Burn

A couple of times the cigar showed signs of going out. I don’t think any of us really want to babysit the burn on any cigar. A bit of coaxing kept this one burning without the need to re-light but I would rather not have to pay attention to details like this.

Draw

The draw was very inconsistent which is most likely what lead to the burn issues I was experiencing. It was difficult to get into any type of cadence with the draw alternating from being on the tight side to being too open.

Overall

There were three different cigars inside this wrapper. The first was akin to Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates. You never knew what you were getting in the next draw. While interesting, it eventually became a distraction for my palate. The second third was a sweet, creamy, mellow cigar with cedar, leather and allspice, each playing a vital part in the profile. The flavors were well balanced and offered a respite from the previous third. The final third, however, was a powerhouse. Full bodied earthiness with cedar and burnt coffee. The increase in strength and nicotine really ramped up during the last leg. I only wish the technical side of the cigar was up to the same level as the flavors.